The Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a vital member of the intensive care team, primarily responsible for managing critically ill complex patients within a cardiothoracic ICU setting. The NP possesses specialized skills and knowledge pertinent to the unique Cardiothoracic ICU environment. Responsibilities include performing physical exams, collecting and documenting patient data, conducting approved diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, ordering and scheduling laboratory studies and professional consultations, prescribing interventions and medications, and providing direct patient care services according to established protocols and evidence-based clinical practice standards. The NP also contributes to excellence in patient care, research, teaching, consulting, and provides leadership within the organization and to the nursing profession. Duties may involve obtaining patient health histories, performing complete physical examinations, documenting findings, ordering and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests, and explaining procedures to patients and families. The NP performs approved therapeutic or diagnostic procedures, documents patient preparation and response, and collaborates with supervising physicians to formulate and implement treatment plans for acute illness management. Essential duties include managing high acuity patients, developing individualized Plans of Care, conducting in-depth patient and family interviews, performing initial and periodic physical examinations, identifying and treating diseases, and managing hospitalized patients. The NP directly performs or orders diagnostic studies, interprets results, and develops long and short-range treatment plans. Specific procedures may include obtaining specimens, performing injections, immunizations, lumbar punctures, skin biopsies, suturing, wound care, and managing trauma or infection-related conditions. The NP writes medication orders (subject to physician counter-signature), prescribes interventions and medications, and provides direct patient care in the ICU. They maintain accurate patient records, update charts, change orders as appropriate, and notify physicians of patient condition changes. Patient and family education regarding preventive care, medical and psychological problems, and treatment adherence is also a key responsibility. The NP ensures compliance with university and department policies, quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control standards, as well as accreditation and regulatory agency requirements. Participation in in-service education and professional associations, along with providing leadership, is expected. Other duties as assigned.
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Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior